Brazil dam disaster: 121 dead, 226 missing as search continues
Updated 13:16, 03-Feb-2019
CGTN
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01:01
The death toll from the tailings dam collapse near the town of Brumadinho, in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais, has climbed to 121 with another 226 still missing, the local fire department told media on Saturday.
A total of 192 people were rescued, while another 395, whose whereabouts had been unknown, were found, said the fire department.
Search operations for bodies were still ongoing, according to the local emergency service.
Rescue workers search for victims of a collapsed tailings dam owned by Brazilian mining company Vale SA, in Brumadinho, Brazil, February 2, 2019. / VCG Photo

Rescue workers search for victims of a collapsed tailings dam owned by Brazilian mining company Vale SA, in Brumadinho, Brazil, February 2, 2019. / VCG Photo

On Friday noon, the search and rescue work was suspended to mourn the victims of the tragedy. In Brumadinho, families and friends also mourned their loved ones who lost their lives in the accident.
The Brazilian mining company Vale SA, the owner of the dam has come under criticism and suspended operations as protesters gathered in front of its headquarters. This was the second such dam disaster in three years at a mine owned by the company.
Residents attend a service in memory for victims of a collapsed tailings dam owned by Brazilian mining company Vale SA, in Brumadinho, Brazil, February 2, 2019. / VCG Photo

Residents attend a service in memory for victims of a collapsed tailings dam owned by Brazilian mining company Vale SA, in Brumadinho, Brazil, February 2, 2019. / VCG Photo

Authorities have reportedly frozen over three billion U.S. dollars in assets of the Vale mining company in anticipation it will pay damages, compensation and fines.
The disaster took place on January 25 when a tailings dam collapsed, sending 13 million cubic meters of sludge and mud down the hill.
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(With input from agencies)
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